Yearning for Urney...

You'll Ruin your dinner....

2011-11-26T16:49:00.001Z

You'll Ruin your dinner.... Sweet Memories from an Irish Childhood is a new book by Damian Corless. All those nostalgic sweetie moments from our childhoods are captured by Damian as he relives his younger, sugar-fuelled days. A self-confessed sweet tooth, Damian is also one of Ireland's foremost journalists. He works with the Irish Independent and is former editor of In Dublin and Magill. More of his books include GUBU Nation (2004) and The Greatest Bleeding Hearts Racket In The World (2010).

I haven't read the book yet but managed to leaf through it on a recent trip to my local book store. It promises to be an entertaining read and I'm sure Urney Chocolates gets a mention along with favourite brands of the day such as HB Ices and Cleeves. Interesting interview with Damian here. I look forward to discovering the book in my Christmas stocking in a few weeks.

The Eileen Gallagher story

2011-08-22T10:37:00.000+01:00

As I finished my last post I remembered that my original idea for a book was the much humbler affair of an illustrated story about the life of Eileen Gallagher. That was before the project sprouted legs and became Sweet Memories the Story of Urney Chocolates, a book about Urney's the factory and a celebration of all who worked there. But in those initial days I created a few illustrations. So I am including one here that relates to Eileen's father and his passion for organ playing. I must find a proper home for these illustrations. More to come in following posts. Perhaps a small children's story? As always, all suggestions welcome!

Urney Chocolates grew out of a jam pot

2011-08-09T22:18:00.000+01:00

I've been so busy in the garden this summer that my Urney blog has been sadly neglected. My poly tunnel is producing courgettes to beat the band- suggested uses for same are very welcome. I've been sneaking courgettes into most of my dishes and even tried my hand at a courgette sorbet which my family very politely ate with approving gestures. I'm touched by their tact but I promise, I won't be making any more. *sighs of relief all round..*

I'm sure great-granny Eileen Gallagher would know what to do with a glut of veggies. A chutney-making enterprise perhaps? Afterall, it was the jam that she made from the excess fruit in her garden that launched a cottage industry that later became Urney Chocolates. "Urney Chocolates grew out of a jam pot" as Eileen's husband Harry was fond of saying.
I often wondered what it was that made Eileen such an astute business woman. Her determination and practical nature would have helped. Early family life would also have shaped her thinking. She was the youngest of 16 children and despite both her parents coming from well-off families, Eileen saw her mother struggle financially. Her father John had been destined to take over the family business in New Ross, Co. Wexford but preferred to spend his time playing the organ while the family's fortunes dwindled away. It's safe to say Eileen didn't inherit his business acumen (or lack of..). Eileen's mother, Mary Ellen, on the other hand became an adept seamstress and frugal housekeeper and managed to keep up the illusion of comfortable living. She was fortunate to get annual income from her own family, who were related to MP John Redmond. While the allowance would have helped enormously it must have been difficult. No doubt it would have strengthened Eileen's resolve for financial security in later life. And the instilled notion that you couldn't always rely on the traditional bread-winner to provide for you, may have made her more independent and unconventional? Well, we can only speculate. Now...anyone for a slice of courgette cake?

Exhibition returns to Wexford

2011-06-18T22:36:00.002+01:00

"Sweet Memories, the Story of Urney Chocolates", the exhibition, has returned to it's original host, The Irish Agricultural Museum in Wexford. It was unveiled here for the first time in July 2009 and having visited many of the libraries in South County Dublin over the last two years, it is back for another stint in the sunny south east. So if you missed it first time 'round, now is your chance to catch it. Seven display panels summarize the history of the factory from it's inception to it's closure, capturing the highs and lows of over 50 years making chocolate. The book is also available for sale at the museum, which is a fascinating place and well worth a visit if you haven't already been. The museum is set in the picturesque grounds of Johnstown Castle, another great reason to drop by.

History of Urney Parish recorded

2011-05-30T20:33:00.002+01:00

An intriguing parcel arrived in my postbox last week from my good friend John Haire of Strabane. I was pleasantly surprised to find a book about the history of the parish of Urney. Urney parish consists of townlands from counties Tyrone and Donegal and it was where Urney Chocolates first began trading in 1919. Leafing through the book I came upon the chapter "Urney Chocolates, Sweet Success" written by John's brother William. It details the history of the factory from its inception to its closure.

There is a lovely anecdote about factory founder Eileen Gallagher in her role of traveling saleswoman during the factory's early years. Eileen noticed that one shop down the country was placing large orders for Urney produce. She asked the shopkeeper how the customers liked the sweets only to get the reply "The farmers find them great in their tea as sugar is still rationed." Probably not the answer Eileen had hoped for! Luckily, this lack of appreciation for her efforts as confectioner did not dampen her spirits too much and the business went from strength to strength.

The publication, titled Urney, History, People, Place (ISBN: 978-0-9568891-0-2) covers all aspects of parish life from remarkable individuals that came from the area to religion, farming and industry. Published by Doneyloop Youth Club and edited by Daniel McMenamin, many authors have contributed to the publication resulting in a valuable and engaging local history resource. Thank you John!

Now available in The Book Centre, Wexford

2011-04-20T15:16:00.000+01:00

If you go into The Book Centre in Wexford town you will now find Sweet Memories, the Story of Urney Chocolates on their 'Local Interest' shelves. I am delighted to say that the shop have kindly agreed to stock the book where it retails at the same price of €15. The Book Centre have always supported local authors and Wexford certainly has more than it's fair share of literary talent. There is an impressive range of local interest/history books on display in the shop. I always find great gifts here for relatives living abroad. So if happen to be on the Main Street in Wexford, do pop in. Customers are encouraged not just to browse but to make themselves at home; to sit and read, enjoy a coffee and biscuit in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Urney Exhibition comes home

2011-03-23T21:00:00.001Z

Today I collected the Urney Chocolates exhibition from Tallaght Library. Sile, from Local Studies Department, had carefully packed and padded the display boards, prints, sweet tins and boxes ready for transit back to Wexford. The exhibition, having spent the last seven months touring the libraries of South Dublin, is now looking forward to visiting new venues. All invitations welcome!

Incidentally, not only do the libraries of South Dublin house physical copies of Sweet Memories, The Story of Urney Chocolates, the book is also available for lending as a digital download from their website. The advancement of technology never ceases to amaze me.....

Wexford Launch- A great Success

2011-02-15T11:00:00.001Z

A fine crowd turned up for our Wexford book launch in D'Lush Café last Saturday. The café is just the perfect setting for an intimate gathering and the D'Lush staff worked tirelessly to keep folk fed and watered. Linda's delicious chocolate brownies were a huge hit and, I suspect, the main attraction! It was a great opportunity for everyone to catch up with old friends. Mayor Joe Ryan introduced the book with a warm and well-considered speech. Having grown up in Dublin, Joe was well familiar with Urney Chocolates. He fondly reflected on the lure of the infamous Two and Two bar and noted the factory's significance in Irish industrial history. A terrific night. Thanks to everyone for all the support. And special thanks to Zeno for being both photographer and financial controller on the night. Who said men can't multi-task!

Book Launch, Saturday 12th Feb

2011-02-03T13:29:00.001Z

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and many of us have chocolate on our minds. That makes it the perfect time of year to have our rescheduled "Sweet Memories" book launch. The Mayor, Joe Ryan, will launch the book on Saturday 12th Feb in D'Lush Café in Wexford Arts Centre at 7pm, prior to the Maeve Higgins show. There will be delectable home-made chocolate brownies and hot beverages served on the evening. For anyone looking to spoil their loved-one on Valentine's Day, a selection of mouth-wateringly delicious, chocolate goodies, lovingly crafted by Linda of D'Lush, will be available for sale. Linda honed her chocolate-making skills in Holland before returning to Wexford to set up the popular eatery- a favourite spot for both sweet-tooths and lovers of wholesome, healthy fare. And of course I'll be there on the 12th to sign copies of "Sweet memories- the Story of Urney Chocolates". Look forward to seeing you.

Happy New Year

2011-01-10T11:37:00.003Z

Can you believe it's 2011 already? Last year seemed to unravel in the blink of an eye. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into reading the books I got for Christmas. "Chocolate Wars: From Cadbury to Kraft: 200 years of Sweet Success and Bitter Rivalry" is first on my list. Written by a descendant of the Cadbury chocolate dynasty, Deborah Cadbury tells the engaging story of the Cadbury's chocolate factory from its inception to its recent takeover by Kraft. All the major English Chocolate brands such as Fry's and Rowntree's were started by Quaker families and the devout religious values that infiltrated their factories have long since given way to modern commerce. The world's chocolate industry is now dominated by just four multi-nationals; Kraft, Nestlé, Mars and Ferrero. Deborah, an acclaimed historian and documentary maker, details this fascinating journey in her book.

Incidently, Urney Chocolates founder Harry Gallagher also had Quaker roots. His mother, Harriet Thomas, came from a County Cork Quaker family. Harry certainly empathized with the Quaker ideal of caring for workers and he devoted much of his time creating a pleasant and safe environment for his employees. The Urney factory became known locally as the factory in a garden- just as the Cadbury factory had many years before in Victorian England.

Book Launch Cancelled until further notice

2010-12-03T10:38:00.000Z

Due to adverse weather conditions the Sweet Memories, the Story of Urney Chocolates book launch will be postponed until further notice. Provided conditions do not deteriorate much further, I will be in Greenacres tomorrow, Saturday 4th to inform people of the change in schedule. I will also be available to sign books from 12pm til 3pm should anyone brave the elements and make it into Wexford town. A new launch date will be rescheduled shortly. Watch this space......In the meanwhile, keep warm....

Wexford launch of Urney book!

2010-11-19T11:58:00.002Z

Finally, the Wexford launch has arrived. Be sure to get to Greenacres gallery at midday on Saturday 4th December to catch the opening of the Greenacres Christmas show. Directly following the art opening, local author and historian Nicky Furlong will introduce the book, Sweet Memories. The Story of Urney Chocolates. Special guest Brendan Grace will be joining us, promising an afternoon of shared memories and good old-fashioned craic. Don't miss it!

Book featured on RTE One - Four Live

2010-11-10T21:02:00.004Z

This afternoon Tom Doorley was promoting his book "Eating for Ireland" on RTE's Four Live show. He chatted to Maura Derrane about favourite foods of our childhood and how they evoke a longing for a simpler but comforting time. His book celebrates this nostalgia and discusses how we used to eat throughout the years. Of course, Urney Chocolates got a mention. Tom and Maura waxed lyrical about the delectable Two and Two bar and the toothsomely chewy Bobby bar. At one point Maura furtively produced my book Sweet Memories- The Story of Urney Chocolates" from under the counter, taking care not to reveal its cover. She opened the book to point at a picture of a Two and Two Bar wrapper. As the camera lingered on the image they enthusiastically discussed the reincarnation of the well-loved bar. Unfortunately, there was no mention of the book title or its author and the implication was that this was a double page spread from Tom's book. Shame.....I feel a bit cheated..... See the programme for yourself here (scroll to 17.36mins for the Tom Doorley interview.) Link is only available til December 1st. Feel free to highlight this injustice by emailing emails@fourlive.ie ......

Hadji Bey back on our shelves

2010-10-22T11:35:00.003+01:00

L.C. Confectionery, owner of many Irish vintage confectionery brands, including Urney Chocolates, has introduced Hadji Bey Turkish Delight back to the market. Hadji Bey the company, was established in 1902 in Cork by Armenian national, Harutun Batmazian. Harutun's first career choice, like Urney Chocolates founder, Harry Gallagher, was law. While studying in Istanbul (then Constantinople) Harutun found time to help out in a confectionery business producing Turkish Delight. However, when the Turks began executing Armenian Christians he fled to south west Ireland. Despite having no English or financial backing Haruntun set up shop in MacCurtain Street, Cork and before long had converted the Irish to the exotic charms of Turkish Delight.

Today in County Kildare, Hadji Bey sweetmeats are still lovingly handmade to original recipes. Available in Original Rose and Rahat Lokoum (a mix of Rose, Orange and Lemon) flavours, the sweets are hand packed in beautifully designed sturdy, round boxes. The boxes retail at a very reasonable €8.95 from outlets nationwide, such as the English Market, Cork and The Chocolate Shop. They can also be found in exclusive London foodstore, Fortnum and Mason.

Sweet Memories exhibition now in Clondalkin

2010-10-15T23:59:00.000+01:00

For anyone who missed the Sweet Memories, The Story of Urney Chocolates exhibition you can catch it in Clondalkin library where it will run until 23rd of November 2010. After that....who knows, maybe a venue near you........ If there are people out there that were unable to make it to the Dublin or Wexford show and are interested in seeing the exhibition, please drop me a line and I'll try my best to get it to a venue as close to you as possible.

Launch of Sweet Memories exhibition & book

2010-08-30T10:20:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who came along to the launch last Thursday evening. So many people turned out to support the project and to catch up with old friends and colleagues. There was such a warm and friendly atmosphere in Tallaght Library that night - an indication of the enviable camaraderie that existed in the Urney Chocolates factory before it closed its doors 40 years ago.
Sile, Una and library staff did a terrific job organising the whole event, even providing a chocolate fountain with the refreshments. The exhibition runs until September 19th, during library opening hours so you still have a chance to view it.

Book Launch on Thursday 26th August, 2010

2010-08-24T22:44:00.005+01:00

Finally, after a year in the making, the book is finished. Sweet Memories, The Story of Urney Chocolates will be launched on Thursday evening at 7pm in Tallaght Library.
With a heart-warming foreword from comedian Brendan Grace the publication traces the growth of Urney Chocolates from its humble beginnings in Co. Tyrone to an industrial pioneer of Irish confectionery. In conjunction with Heritage week and in association with the book there is also an exhibition on show in Tallaght library. Everybody is welcome to the launch, so come along this Thursday and relive your favourite Urney memories.

E. Gallaghers shop Strabane

2010-06-29T13:41:00.003+01:00

A highlight of our trip to Strabane was a visit to Harleys shop on the main street. The shop once housed a drapery store, built by Edward Gallagher in 1869. Edward had made a small fortune selling bibles in America and came home to start a business. The shop was on the ground floor with menswear to the front and ladies wear at the back. Later a shirt factory was built to the rear of the building. Harry (Urney Chocolates founder) worked in his father Edward's business for a short time before being sent off to study law. Harry later returned to the area when he got the post of Crown Solicitor to Donegal and his brother Andrew took over the family business. The shop then came into Joseph Harley's father's hands and Joseph now runs a furniture shop from the same premises. Today's shop retains many of the old features including the wooden floor and exterior design. There was a lovely nostalgic feel to the building; you could almost hear the ghosts of customers milling in the out of the busy drapery store of over 100 years ago when Edward traded his wares.

Trip to Urney- where it all started...

2010-06-20T13:59:00.003+01:00

Last week-end mum and myself took drove to Tyrone where the story of Urney Chocolates all began. Urney, meaning place of prayer, is a parish just outside Strabane and straddles the Donegal-Tyrone border. The 5 gruelling hours it took to get were quickly forgotten on our arrival. We were met by John Haire, his brother William and John's lovely family who generously kept us fed and watered as we exchanged Urney Chocolates trivia. John and William are avid local historians and had a plethora of Urney memorabilia to show us.

To make the experience more tangible John drove us out to the original site where the factory had started. There is now a graveyard where Urney House once stood overlooking the river Finn. (Please excuse the ropiness of my stitched-together landscape...) The production of confectionery had started in the cellar of Urney house until the former rectory burned down. Then a purpose-built factory and bungalow was erected on the grounds of the estate until 2 years later it was to suffer the same fate, which prompted the business to move south to Tallaght. There are no traces of these buildings left on the beautiful site but the views of the river winding through the gently undulating countryside can't have changed very much. John then took us to a few other sites (another blogs work) and we left over-laden with fantastic images and gathered information. They could not have been more helpful or more giving with their time, collections and hospitality. It was a truly memorable trip.

Helen O’Clery

2010-06-08T23:31:00.000+01:00

The other day while rummaging through family stuff in search of Urney bits and bobs I came across this book by my Great-Aunt Helen.

Helen was the only daughter of Urney Chocolates founders Harry and Eileen Gallagher. She was born in 1910. Trained as a nurse in St Vincent’s Hospital Helen went on to study physiotherapy. She married engineer Dermot O’Clery and began writing books for children. She quickly became an established author and had many books published both in Ireland and in America. The couple's eldest daughter Ann, an architect and accomplished artist, illustrated several of Helen’s books including this one, Mysterious Waterway. Ann's beautiful sketches feature throughout.

Published in 1963 by Alan Figgis this adventure story for young readers sees the O’Reilly family navigate their way from Dublin Quay to Port Shannon on board a cabin cruiser. Although it is a work of fiction, the book was written to highlight the importance of retaining the canal. Dublin Corporation planned to lay a sewer in the bed on the city section of the Grand Canal and concrete over it to make a motorway. At this time Dermot O’Clery was president of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) which was formed in 1954 in an effort to preserve Ireland’s inland waterways. The IWAI is still in operation today and has this to say about Dermot on their website:

1963:..... Dermot O'Clery, President from 1962-'67, produced a comprehensive report about the future development of the Shannon, at the request of Bord Failte, indicating the funds that would be required to implement it. Bord Failte allocated the necessary funds, €140,000, and it is significant that almost all the suggestions contained in the report have now been carried out, illustrating the importance of putting suggestions in writing in a well laid out format.

Dedicated Irish Chocolate-Maker Passes Away

2010-05-19T11:08:00.000+01:00

I was listening to the Ray Darcy show on Today FM when I heard the sad news. Thomas Caffrey passed away earlier this week at the ripe old age of 92. Incidentally, both Harry and Eileen Gallagher, founders of Urney Chocolates, lived heartily to 95 and 89 respectively. Further evidence that chocolate is good for you. The Caffrey family in Dublin run the oldest established Irish, family-owned, chocolate-making business. Now managed by a third generation of Caffreys, the company continues to make traditional confectionery that those of us of a certain vintage still crave. In the 50's Thomas Caffrey invented the infamous Chocolate Snowball - a gooey, soft centered, marshmallowy mass, encased in a milk chocolate shell and dusted with coconut.. MMMmmm....... Caffreys also created the equally popular Macaroon Bar and the Big Time Bar. Neville Caffrey, speaking on the radio, reminded listeners that "The Chocolate Warehouse" in Walkinstown is open for tours, where fans of the Caffrey range can stock up on their favourite products. Thomas Caffrey, we are forever grateful for your many years dedicated to the art of making chocolate, may you rest in peace.

The Cadbury Apprentice Competition

2010-04-06T19:50:00.000+01:00

OK, so I'm going a little off track here but Cadbury's were one of Urney Chocolates biggest competitors in the Irish market so I am going to give this a mention.
Last Fridays Independent reported that the Broadcasting Authority of ireland (BAI) had a bone to pick with TV3 over the excessive promotion of confectionary giant, Cadbury's on TV programme The Apprentice. The particular episode, aired last November, required contestants to develop a new dairy milk 8 square bar. The broadcasting authority claimed that advertising rules were broken during the briefing of the apprentices on their task to create a bar with a distinctive Irish feel.

"Watchdogs ruled there was product placement through visual and verbal branding of Cadbury's products which was not editorially justified and gave the sponsor undue prominence."

TV3 denied the accusation of unnecessary over-exposure and explained that the programme could not be produced without sponsorship.

Well, what Cadburys may have gained in undue prominence on The Apprentice it lacked in decent new packaging designs. Maybe that's what prompted Cadburys to take the task nationwide. In January they launched The Cadbury Apprentice Competition with €10,000 prize money for the most appropriate design. Entrants were whittled down to 5 finalists with graphic designer Paul Ruane taking the ultimate prize. His packaging design above, picked by public vote, will be featured on a wrap/package for Cadbury Dairy Milk to be launched in 2010. Look forward to seeing it in your shops anytime soon.

Easter Eggs

2010-03-19T22:09:00.000Z

Although Urney Chocolates ceased trading 40 years ago the brand is still alive and well. Leo Cummins has worked in the confectionery business for many years as did his father. Having gathered a wealth of experience in the area, Leo combines his knowledge with a passion for vintage sweets and the legacy behind the original brands. Along with Cleeves Toffees and Hadji Bey Turkish Delight he plans to reintroduce Urney Chocolates to the market. And we can't wait!
Last week the Jedward Easter egg was launched as an Urney Chocolates creation.

"And so we are the proud manufacturers and developers of Jedward Twin Milk Chocolate Easter Eggs with a special Jedward No 1 Fan milk chocolate medal in each pack and an even more special 5 Gold Tickets to meet Jedward in 5 very special packs."

They can be bought online or from Heatons, Eurospar, Mace, Spar and Woodies of Bray, Lucan and Tallaght. Quantities are limited so you'll have to be quick before stocks run out. Now Leo, when oh when can we expect a Two and Two bar?

Urney Chocolates and Motor Racing

2010-03-03T14:06:00.000Z

Earlier today I accidently deleted a telephone voice message left by a gentleman enquiring about my grandfather, Redmond Gallagher, and his contribution to Irish motor racing. So, if by any chance you are reading this, I'm really sorry but I haven't got a contact number for you. Maybe you could call again? Or maybe this will help...

Redmond Gallagher took over from his father as MD of Urney Chocolates in 1950 on the condition that he would concentrate solely on the factory and give up his lifelong passion for motor racing. His very first racing car was a H.E. 2 litre bought for £8 in the 1930s for a race in the Phoenix. Park. This was replaced with a 3 litre Sunbeam that been driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell in the Irish Grand Prix. Redmond never raced the Sunbeam and for some reason eventually sold it on. His next car was a supercharged Austin 7 that he was not entirely taken with. Maybe because it cost him a broken neck which was only discovered years later. Deciding to take things up a notch, Redmond next purchased an engineless Bugatti. With help from his brother in law, Dermot O' Clery, he fitted it with an early Ford V8 engine and called the car the USR- Urney Special Racer. As WW2 approached Redmond put his racing on hold until after the war when engineer and racing associate Nick Flynn helped build "Leprechaun I". It was a 500 cc car with a Japanese engine, especially adept at hill climbs. This was later adapted with a Norton engine and chassis redesign to become "Leprechaun II". Then came "Leprechaun III", an entirely new car with a 1000 cc supercharged engine. It did very well in speed events. His final racing car was a 1.5 litre Gordini that Redmond raced extensively at home and abroad. It had 2 wins in the international tourist trophy at Dundrod and another in the Wakefield trophy at the Curragh. Above photo courtesy of the 500 Owners Association.

Exhibition news- Change of date!

2010-02-04T22:27:00.000Z

Remember I was getting all geared up for an "Urney" exhibition at Tallaght Library in May? Well there's been a change of plan. We've unanimously decided that National Heritage Week would be a more suitable time to show off our wares. The Urney Chocolates factory was such a major part of the Tallaght community. Afterall, it was there from the beginning. And as the business grew so the village prospered around it.
Heritage Week runs from 21st - 29th August. The "Sweet memories" exhibition will be launched in Tallaght Library that week and will remain up for a month. A date to mark in your diaries....

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T21:56:00.000Z

I hope you all had a well deserved break over the Christmas holidays. It's hard to get back into the pace of normal life. First there's the sugar addiction to get over and then there's the effort of getting up early for a hard days slog to get re-accustomed to.... Especially hard these arctic mornings. Brrrrr...

I'm guessing most of you had a traditional turkey dinner for Christmas. Well, an interesting fact about Eileen Gallagher, founder of Urney Chocolates; she introduced the first White Holland turkey into Ireland in 1956. Eileen, a keen fowl fancier, acquired some fertilized turkey eggs on a trip to the USA and managed to smuggle them back to Dublin. She bred White Holland turkeys successfully for many years in Tallaght, producing up to 3,000 birds annually. Before that, the Bronze turkey would have been the predominant turkey breed in Ireland and goose would have been commonly eaten at Christmas. The White Holland is a smaller breed than the Bronze but matures earlier. There's much debate about how Eileen managed to get the eggs home though it is commonly agreed that the means weren't entirely legal... My preferred family myth claims she hid them in the lining of her fur hat.

Urney Planet Man

2009-12-15T09:59:00.000Z

In the mid ‘50s, Joe Lynch compered an Urney sponsored radio programme in front of a live audience. When resident commercial reader, actor Pat Layde, went touring with the Abbey theatre, Gay Byrne was asked to temporarily fill in. This graduated to a more permanent position that would last nine years.

One of those programmes was juvenile science ficton series The Planet Man. Dantro, aka The Planet Man, was a troubleshooter for the League of Planets organization, the law enforcement body for peace and justice in the celestial world - whose headquarters and center of operations are situated on the capital of all planets, Planteria Rex. "From Mercury to Pluto, where ever danger threatens the universe, you will find Dantro the Planet Man fighting for fair play." The Planet Man was transcribed and syndicated by Palladium Radio Productions. Urney must have run a number of promotions for the programme as seen by this badge, property of avid badge collector Frank Setchfield who kindly sent me this image. You can listen to an episode of The Planet Man series here. Enjoy!

Brendan Grace - yearning for Urney!

2009-12-09T20:21:00.000Z

Yesterday the comedian Brendan Grace was chatting to Pat Kenny on RTE 1. Speaking from his hospital bed where he was recovering from surgery he explained to Kenny that his Diabetes had complicated an infection in his foot. But, he joked, rumours of the demise of his leg are greatly exaggerated. During the interview Grace talked about the huge lifestyle changes he had to make when he was diagnosed with Diabetes type II, fifteen years ago. The dedicated sweet tooth had to give up the chocolates, sweets and biscuits he so loved. His new book Amusing Grace dedicates 7 or 8 pages to all the sweet stuff of his childhood. "Are you old enough to remember Urneys?" he asked Pat as he went on to reminisce about Urney's Milk Tray, Regal Milk and Two and Two bars. It was clearly a struggle to give up his sugary fix, you could still hear the longing in his voice.

Well I hope you get well very soon Brendan and thanks for the memories.

The Legend of the Urney Leprechaun

2009-11-26T20:22:00.000Z

Earlier this week I received an email from Julie in Montana, USA. She recently acquired an Urney Chocolates tin and was trying to put a value on it. I couldn't say how much it is worth but I can give a little background information on it. It was produced as part of an advertising campaign to encourage sales of the Urney threepence bars. The rhyme on the tin forms part of a longer ballad "The Legend of the Urney Leprechaun" written by author Bernard Share in 1954, while working for the O'Kennedy Brindley Advertising Agency. All eight verses, illustrated by Neil O'Kennedy, were then translated to screen to become Ireland's first full-colour commercial to be shown in cinemas nationwide. I don't know how many of these leprechaun tins are in circulation today but I imagine there aren't too many in such good condition. Cute.

Last day at The Irish Agricultural Museum

2009-11-19T21:42:00.000Z

Today "Sweet Memories, the Story of Urney Chocolates" an exhibition in The Irish Agricultural Museum has officially finished. Phase one, is over. I took down the series of history panels that I designed and researched. The limited edition prints of illustrations I had done for the project also came off the wall. The reason behind the display was to create interest and try make contact with anyone who might have any personal memories of the Tallaght chocolate factory. The sale of prints helped me to cover some of the printing costs. Special thanks to all who supported me! I had asked visitors to share their personal Urney stories and a surprising number of people have left comments in the visitors book. Some people had actually worked in the factory or had commercial connections with it while others have singled out favourite childhood products. I am so looking forward to going through the comments and cannot wait to get in touch with some of the visitors who have left contact details. So many Urney stories to be unravelled!!!

my very first blog post....

2009-11-15T23:54:00.000Z

Well finally! Here I am in bloggerland. First off, thanks to my very clever big bruv who came up with the very catchy "yearning for Urney" phrase. Urney Chocolates was an Irish company set up in the early 1900s by my great grandparents. What started as a mild passing interest in family stuff soon ballooned into an all-consuming quest for the story of Urney Chocolates. Initially, I fancied the idea of illustrating my great grandmothers life (she was quite a lady!). But when I set to work on the modest little project I'd been tossing about in my head, it had grown into something a bit chunkier and, if I'm honest, scarier. But it is exciting. I'm about half-way through the venture and I'd love to share the story with you.